Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 14:15

"And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food." — Matthew 14:15 (ASV)

The time is now past. That is, the day is passing away; it is near night; and it is proper to make some provision for the temporal wants of so many. Perhaps it may mean, it was past the usual time for refreshment.

See Barnes on Matthew 14:13.